Get Out of Town!

(From the Tucson Weekly Article, written by Jim Nintzel)

JIM CLICK

Auto-dealer Jim Click has raised money for good causes, helping people from disadvantaged kids to developmentally disabled adults. We'll give him props for that.

But he also tosses around his fortune on bad political campaigns. This year, the Clicker poured six figures into the aforementioned Public Safety First Initiative, which was opposed by most of his fellow members of the business community. And, by the way, the proposition flies in the face of most Republican principles about unfunded mandates. But if there's some political advantage to be scored, we guess those principles aren't that important.

The Clicker and his pal, Nathan Sproul, were also behind a last-minute slamming of Democrat Richard Fimbres for allegedly mishandling money while he served as the head of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. At worst, this was a minor paperwork snafu, although Fimbres' opponent, Republican Shaun McClusky, shamelessly tried to make it look like Fimbres was stealing money. Considering Fimbres' good works to help Hispanic youth stay in school and off the streets, the ploy was a vile slam.

So we say: Enough, Jim Click. Get out of town! (As we understand it, you're already spending most of your time in the People's Republic of California, anyway.)

—J.N.

You can help food bank

(Arizona Star Editorial - The Ward 5 Council Office also has boxes for drop off of food items for the Food Bank at 4300 S. Park.)

The Community Food Bank is struggling to serve an increasing number of Southern Arizonans who need help during this holiday season and beyond.

Because the food bank can buy in such large volume, it can turn a $1 donation into about $9 worth of food, enough for several meals. Tucson's Community Food Bank serves individuals and families in five Arizona counties — Pima, Graham, Greenlee, Cochise and Santa Cruz. Branch food banks operate in Ajo, Amado, Green Valley, Marana and Nogales.

The Community Food Bank is at 3003 S. Country Club Road, 85713.

To learn more about the Community Food Bank's work, or to inquire about getting help, call 622-0525 or go to www.communityfoodbank.com

STRATEGIES BEING CONSIDERED TO BALANCE CITY BUDGET

Fiscal Year Budget Options


Budget Rev Update12!15!09

Miracle on 31st Street (needs a miracle to happen this year)

Every Christmas Eve for the past 38 years Ramon Gonzalez has hosted a Christmas Eve party called "Miracle on 31st Street" for children living in some of Tucson's most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Last year 6,000 kids showed up - for many, the gifts they receive from Ramon will be the only things they get this Christmas.

This year he may have to cancel the event. He only has a few dozen toys donated so far. You know the story, the economy, the economy, the economy.

I thought I would try to help him by building a simple website that tells more about Ramon ( and his band of volunteer elves) and gives people a place to make a tax deductible donation. (Miracle on 31st Street is a 501 (c) 3 charitable Organization.)

So please, if you can, make a donation, buy some extra toys or send this message along to your friends.

I will personally make sure every penny goes to purchase toys and food for the kids -

Thank you friends and have a joyous Holiday - and don't forget our
neighbor's children who need to feel a little joy this year as well.

http://www.miracleon31street.org

Nancy Montoya
Executive Producer
International Media
http://www.internationalmedia.us

A Tucson Pastorela 2009!

"It's just so silly. It's just so fun!"--Kathy Allen, Arizona Daily Star

Pastores and Peregrinos, Sheep and Dog follow a Shining Star to Belen in hopes of witnessing the birth of the Baby Jesus. On the way, they encounter sneaky Devils who tempt them with all kinds of cool gadgets and yummy distractions, while glorious Archangels will resort to almost anything to restore their fortitude and get them back on track to carry on their mission. A Tucson holiday tradition back for the 14th year featuring live music by GERTIE AND THE T.O. BOYZ WAILA BAND and piñatas for los niños! Special performance by BALLET FOLKLORICO TAPATIO will begin the show Sunday, December 20 only!

Directed by Eva Tessler

December 17-20, 2009

Leo Rich Theatre, Tucson Convention Center, 260 S Church

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION:

Preview Performance: December 17, 7:30PM.

$16.75 general, $15.75 senior, $10.75 student, $7 children (12 and under) $7 rush 45 minutes before showtime.

Opening Night Celebración: December 18, 7:30PM $20.75 general & senior, $10.75 student, $7 children.

Opening Night Celebración includes postres plus meet and greet the actors.

Regular Performances: December 19, 7:30PM & December 20, 2:00PM $18.75 general, $17.75 senior, $10.75 student, $7 children.

Student Matinees: December 17 & 18 10am $7.00 general, $5.00 student.

Please call Borderlands Theater for details and availability (For group sales or to arrange accommodations for patrons with disabilities please contact the Borderlands Theater Box Office, (520)882-7406.)

A Message from Councilmember Regina Romero

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M.

I hope you will join us at our City of Tucson Ward 1 Tamale Party and David Tineo art opening! It’s a preview of David Tineo’s work, which will be at the Tucson Museum of Art in February, AND a competition for the best tamales in Tucson. You can still enter yours if you want to… Just bring one dozen to the office by 3 p.m. this Thursday. We are located on the West side of I-10 at 940 W. Alameda, the corner of Grande and Alameda.

Tamales are a wonderful family tradition. I hope you will join us.

In Community,
Regina Romero

"Lets Celebrate the Holidays By Sharing,' - Dec. 17

2009-W~1

Help the Bike In A Box

2009 Bike in a Box Donation Receipt

Dear Family, Friends, and Business Associates:

Christmas is just a few weeks away, and with today's economy struggles and increase in family needs for the less privileged, your financial help is needed.

Lugo Charities Inc. is please to announce the 1st Annual Bike In A Box event to benefit under-privileged children with a new bicycle and safety helmet. This will occur on December 12, 2009. However, in order to purchase the 500 bicycles, we need to raise $27,750.00. Your contributions are tax deductible so please consider in sponsoring bicycles for this worth while cause.

Thank you for your consideration to help. It will be a challenge to secure the funds this year, but with your help, I am confident that we will again meet our goal of raising the $27,750.00 to purchase the bicycles.

Happy Holidays,

Jesse Lugo
Lugo Charities Inc.
Bike In A Box
P.O. Box 26363
Tucson, AZ 85726

HOLIDAY FIESTA & TOY DRIVE, DEC. 11

HOLIDAY FIESTA & TOY DRIVE

Please join "A Whole Lot of People" in thanking

Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva

for Standing Up For Us; Against All Odds.

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Friday, December 11, 8 PM-midnight

(doors open at 7 PM)

El Casino Ballroom 437 E. 26th St.

Dance to Tex-Mex & Cumbias with LOS GALLEGOS &

Reggae, Jazz, and World Music with AMOSPHERE!!

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Tickets available now:

Contribution of $20 and a new toy (all ages) for the toy drive.

RSVP Online or call 520-629-0050